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Official Description

Open treatment of fracture, great toe, phalanx or phalanges, includes internal fixation, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28505 refers to the open treatment of a fracture in the great toe, specifically involving the phalanx or phalanges. This procedure is characterized by the surgical approach where an incision is made directly over the fracture site. The primary goal is to expose the fracture, allowing for a thorough examination and cleaning of the area to remove any debris that may hinder healing. Once the fracture is adequately exposed, the surgeon performs a reduction, which is the process of realigning the fractured bone fragments to their normal anatomical position. To stabilize the fracture and promote proper healing, internal fixation devices such as wires, pins, screws, or a minifragment plate and screw device may be utilized. After the fixation is applied, the surgical site is irrigated to ensure cleanliness, and the incision is subsequently closed using sutures. This procedure is essential for restoring function and alignment in the great toe, which is crucial for mobility and weight-bearing activities.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of a fracture in the great toe, phalanx, or phalanges, as described by CPT® Code 28505, is indicated for specific conditions that necessitate surgical intervention. These indications include:

  • Fracture of the Great Toe A fracture occurring in the phalanx or phalanges of the great toe that may not heal properly with conservative treatment methods.
  • Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are misaligned, requiring surgical realignment to restore normal anatomy and function.
  • Nonunion or Malunion Situations where a previously treated fracture has not healed correctly or has healed in an improper position, necessitating surgical correction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the open treatment of a fracture in the great toe involves several critical steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the fracture site located in the phalanx or phalanges of the great toe. This incision allows for direct access to the fractured area, facilitating further steps in the procedure.
  • Step 2: Exposure and Debridement Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully exposes the fracture site. This involves clearing the area of any debris or foreign material that could impede the healing process. Proper exposure is crucial for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Fracture Reduction After the fracture site is adequately prepared, the surgeon performs a reduction. This step involves realigning the fractured bone fragments to their normal anatomical position, which is essential for proper healing and function.
  • Step 4: Internal Fixation Following the reduction, internal fixation is applied as needed. This may involve the use of various devices such as wires, pins, screws, or a minifragment plate and screw device to stabilize the fracture and maintain alignment during the healing process.
  • Step 5: Wound Irrigation and Closure After the internal fixation is securely in place, the surgical site is thoroughly irrigated to remove any remaining debris and reduce the risk of infection. Finally, the incision is closed using sutures, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of a fracture in the great toe is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Pain management strategies may be implemented to ensure patient comfort. Additionally, patients may be advised to keep the foot elevated and to limit weight-bearing activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing process and to determine when it is safe to resume normal activities. Rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to restore strength and mobility in the great toe once healing has progressed.

Short Descr TREAT BIG TOE FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPEN TX FRACTURE GREAT TOE/PHALANX/PHALANGES
Long Descr Open treatment of fracture, great toe, phalanx or phalanges, includes internal fixation, when performed
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
FA Left hand, thumb
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
TA Left foot, great toe
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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Notes
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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